Real Estate Advice
Green Fences Make Good Neighbors
Dear Pat,
We love our house and enjoy our neighbors, but we’d like some privacy
in back so that we don’t feel as though we’re all in the same yard. We
thought of putting up a privacy fence but we haven’t seen anything we
really like, and of course we don’t want to upset our neighbors. Given
how expensive privacy fences are, would we be able to get our money
back when we sell?
---Out in the Open
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Dear Out,
Maybe once in real estate history a buyer saw a fence, whipped out his
checkbook, and said, “I’ve got to reimburse this thoughtful seller for
that great privacy fence,” but I doubt it. Buyers just don’t tremble
for fences as they do for shiny new appliances or gleaming hardwood
floors. Of course, a fence may still be a necessary investment: when
the need is there, fences are like roofs or furnaces to buyers—they
gotta have ‘em, gonna discount you if you don’t.
While I’m sure there are many good reasons for installing
fences—especially for controlling animals—I personally prefer various
types of greenery that provide a softer barrier between properties.
Artfully spaced trees, shrubs and large plants can give you privacy
where you need it most, avoiding a forbidding wall and off-put
neighbors. This “green fence” is far more interesting and colorful,
and can reach much higher than any privacy fence. At my own home,
three 8-ft white pines planted just five years ago now reach over 20
feet high, affording beautiful year-round privacy. |
Creating this kinder, greener
barrier can add real value to a property that has
a view of an unsightly building or a busy street.
I once sold a house just one door from a business;
because of the many plantings on that side of the
property, prospective buyers rarely were
concerned. In your case, Out, you might find this
approach to be the least expensive investment for
the best return (please see my article
“Landscaping for Fun and
Profit” at www.riverrealty.net). Good luck!
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Pat
Rosaves is a full-time real estate
professional living in the Seward -
Longfellow area. She has more than 30
years experience in helping people with
their real estate needs. Questions may be
sent to her at River Realty, 2543 38th
Avenue South, Mpls, MN 55406. Or call her
at 612-724-1314 or email her at Pat@RiverRealty.net |
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